Fernando Alonso confirms Aston Martin F1’s strategy: unless fighting for the 2025 title, the team will prioritize 2026’s major regulation changes.
Fernando Alonso believes everyone at Aston Martin F1 is “aligned” on the timing and approach to focusing on the 2026 rule changes to avoid a “painful” Formula 1 season next year.
In 2026, F1 undergoes a major overhaul with changes to the chassis, aerodynamics, engines, and tires.
For a team like Aston Martin, which has stagnated under the current regulations, 2026 presents a huge opportunity to aim for the front of the grid.
To achieve this, Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll has assembled key elements for success, including a factory engine deal with Honda (starting next year), a state-of-the-art wind tunnel, and the recruitment of Andy Cowell and Adrian Newey.
Alonso revealed that unless Aston Martin F1 is in contention for a championship this season, it makes sense to shift focus early to developing the 2026 car.
“I think we all agree on this.”
“We want to have the best possible 2025 season while knowing that 2026 is a major reset in terms of regulations and performance.”
“If you’re fighting for the World Championship in 2025, that’s a different story—you can’t abandon development too much because there’s no guarantee you’ll be in contention for the title in 2026.”
“In F1, you have to take what you can. But if you’re not fighting for the World Championship in 2025, I don’t think it makes much difference whether you’re in a bad or very bad position.”
“Because if it costs something for the 2026 season, it will be painful.”
“But I think we are heading in the right direction—we have Lawrence’s vision, we have Andy, we have Adrian.”
“We have the best people to make the right decisions, and we are aligned on what to prioritize.”
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Alonso: Aston Martin Eyes 2026, 2025 Focus Hinges on Title Bid Alonso: Aston Martin Eyes 2026, 2025 Focus Hinges on Title Bid
